You are here

History & Mission

Brief History

The Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was founded in 1949 by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a group of spirited science educators. For more than six decades, MSSEF programs have advanced science literacy and inspired new generations of science and engineering leaders. Nearly 29,000 students have participated in Massachusetts statewide fairs, and many thousands more have been part of the state fair pipeline: regional and school-based fairs across the Commonwealth.

Our Vision

We see a future where every student is empowered through learning in science and engineering practices.

Our Mission

We develop future thought leaders through experiences in science and engineering practices using well-proven programs and novel approaches that empower students and educators to learn in and beyond the classroom.